Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
 



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Ben's Buzz: Special Edition

May 5, 2014
 
Today we have a special edition of the Ben's Buzz with a few important announcements for parents.  Our regular edition will be published tomorrow as usual.

Thank you very much for your attention to these important updates.
  
Sincerely,

Heather Zolnowski
Head of School  
It is hard to believe that this school year is winding down!  With the end of the school year approaching, we will be working to place students for thier classes next year.  There are many factors we consider when placing students in their classes for next year.  The current grade level team works closely with our school counselor, school psychologist, special education staff, and school administration to place students with a classroom teacher that they feel will best fit their educational, social and emotional needs.  We very much value parental input into the learning style they feel works best for their students, however, with only two teachers at each grade level, it is not possible for us to consider parent requests for specific teachers.

If you would like the placement teams to consider specific learning needs of your child, or specific qualities you feel best support your child in the classroom, please forward these descriptions to me at [email protected]. Specific teacher requests made directly to teachers can not be honored.  All matters surrounding class placements for next year must be sent to the Head of School no later than Friday, May 15th. 
In the next few weeks, we will need to complete the PARCC End of Year Assessment. In order to minimize disruption to student's schedules we have arranged morning and afternoon sessions. This will allow us to complete this state-mandated testing in only two days per grade. The PARCC EOY testing dates have been posted to the school calendar and can all be found here.

During PARCC Testing, all internet access will be suspended in the classrooms so that we can dedicate available resources to optimize the performance of the test. Therefore, if you need to contact the school on PARCC Testing days, we ask that you please call the front office at 508-541-3434 and your message can be delivered.

Please note that since the Library is used for PARCC Testing we will have to cancel the PCO Banking program on 5/14. The other banking sessions will not be impacted by the testing schedule.

Our students in grades 5 & 8 must also complete the MCAS Science Testing. These exams will be held on Tuesday May 19th and Wednesday May 20th.  The tests will not impact our wireless and internet connectivity and building operations will proceed as usual.
With warmer weather finally here at last, we wanted to send an important reminder regarding the BFCCPS Dress Code. The purpose of our dress code is to support a positive learning environment and strong school identity by providing a clear, consistent guideline for attire that is modest and does not distract from learning.

In particular we ask that all parents please take a moment to review the following:
  • Skirts, dresses or shorts must be no shorter than three inches above the student's knee.
  • Leggings are only allowed if the shirt they are paired with falls to within three inches of the student's knees.
  • Tank top or shirt straps must be no less than two inches
    in width for grade 5-8 students.
  • Flip-flops or shoes with both an open-toe and an open-heel are not permitted. Shoes with open-toes must have a closed heel.

The Dress Code at a glance can be found here and the Complete Dress Code Policy can be found here.  

 

All matters of questionable dress will be referred to Mrs. Zolnowski.
Violation of the Dress Code may lead to disciplinary action.  

 

We thank you in advance for your compliance to these school policies. 

 
An Update from the Health Office:
 

A message to all parents was sent via Blackboard Connect earlier today regarding head lice. Thank you for your attention in this matter.  Please feel free to contact the Health Office with any questions at [email protected] or (508) 528-1945.

 

Jenny Auerr, R.N.

School Nurse

 

Diane Williams, R.N.

School Nurse